
Staff Research Associate I - Cancer Biomarker Research
Los Angeles, CAResearch$30.12–35.92/hrSeen 4 days agoSeen in employer's feed 4 days ago
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At a glance
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Job overview
The role joins an innovative UCLA Health research team focused on translational cancer biomarker discovery and validation, processing biofluids, managing biospecimen repositories, performing assays, analyzing biomarkers, supporting lab operations, and mentoring students.
Skills & qualifications
Skills
Qualifications
Full job description
Description
Join an innovative research team dedicated to advancing the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of cancer through the discovery and validation of novel biomarkers. This laboratory focuses on translational cancer research with an emphasis on discovering and validating cancer biomarkers in tumor tissue, extracellular vesicles (exosomes), and cell-free DNA (cfDNA), as well as developing and validating molecular assays to improve patient outcomes. Primary responsibilities include:
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Process human biofluids and perform the isolation and purification of extracellular vesicles (exosomes) and cell-free DNA (cfDNA).
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Manage and maintain laboratory biospecimen repositories, including plasma samples, isolated exosomes, and extracted cfDNA, while ensuring compliance with established protocols and quality standards.
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Perform and optimize laboratory assays and analytical workflows, including ELISA and next-generation sequencing (NGS) library preparation techniques.
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Conduct quantitative analysis of cancer biomarkers in tumor tissue specimens, exosomal cargo (including proteins), and cfDNA/ctDNA samples.
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Support routine laboratory operations through reagent inventory management, procurement, equipment upkeep, and general laboratory maintenance.
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Train and mentor undergraduate students on laboratory techniques, procedures, and best practices.
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Collaborate with researchers and laboratory staff to support ongoing biomedical research projects and scientific innovation.
Salary Range: $30.12/hour - $35.92/hour
Qualifications
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Experience conducting literature reviews
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Familiarity with liquid biopsy, extracellular vesicles (exosomes), and/or cancer biomarker research
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Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain accurate records, and work effectively in a fast-paced research environment
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Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively as part of a research team
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Prior laboratory research experience in molecular biology, cancer biology, or biomarker research - preferred
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Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences - preferred
UCLA Health welcomes all individuals, without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin or disabilities, and we proudly look to each person’s unique achievements and experiences to further set us apart.
How this job compares
Set against the 859 open Research Associate jobs on Olive Jobs, counted November 15, 2026.
- Pay
- This posting$30.12–35.92/hr
- US median$19–20/hr125 hourly ranges
This range's midpoint, $33.02/hr, is 65% above the US median midpoint ($20/hr) — in the top quarter of Research Associate hourly ranges across the US.
- Openings
- Olive Jobs lists 110 open Research Associate jobs in California and 859 across the US. 1% of them nationwide are listed as remote or flexible.
- Hiring the most in California
- Cedars-Sinai20 open
- University of Southern California20 open
- Kelly Services5 open
- Experience
- Research Associate postings that state a minimum ask for 2 years of experience at the median; the middle half ask for 1 to 3 years (285 postings).
- Education
- 549 of the 859 open Research Associate jobs (64%) ask for a bachelor's degree or higher.
Counted across the open, public US postings on Olive Jobs on November 15, 2026. Figures based on too few postings are left out.
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